I admittedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I admittedly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to acknowledge or confess something about yourself or your actions. Example: "I admittedly struggled with the project at first, but I eventually found my footing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

ALLISON SARGENT Wellesley, Mass., e-mail I admittedly enjoyed Janny Scott's article.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a novelist who doesn't feel especially inclined to experiment with form, I admittedly have a dog in this fight.

The New Yorker

I admittedly stopped playing my DS once I got an iPhone.

The Guardian - Tech

It wasn't the guy I went to high school with whose comments contain an undercurrent of bitterness in which I admittedly delight.

The New Yorker

If any avant-gardists raised hell for Bush this fall, I didn't hear about it — although I admittedly made no effort to find them.

The New Yorker

I admittedly skimmed some of the passages on farming to get back to these helpless love junkies, whose doomed relationship is startlingly well-written.

The Guardian - Books

I like program notes and artist biographies, and will take any opportunity I'm offered to look at the score of a new piece — usually a matter of taking an initiative I admittedly don't always get around to.

The New York Times - Arts

While I admittedly worry about the effects — both good and bad — of this desire, my concern in the piece was not with "abuses" of science but with the very desire itself and what it unconsciously represses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I mean, admittedly, I'm not the biggest sports guy.

The New Yorker

I was, admittedly, a profoundly skeptical observer.

The New York Times

I was, admittedly, primed to love tales of ballooning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "I admittedly" to soften potentially critical or contradictory statements, making your argument more nuanced and palatable.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I admittedly", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and self-centered. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use other expressions of acknowledgment like "to be honest" or "in truth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I admittedly" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb. It serves to qualify a statement by indicating that the speaker or writer is acknowledging something, often something that might be seen as a weakness or a surprising truth. Ludwig AI examples illustrate that it is used to introduce a personal acknowledgement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I admittedly" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a personal acknowledgment or confession, typically to soften a statement or to add a layer of honesty. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently used in news and media contexts, with neutral register and a tendency toward professional usage. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse for the sake of writing clarity. Alternatives like "I concede" or "to be honest" offer similar, yet subtly different, ways to convey the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I concede

Direct admission, often in a debate or argument.

I acknowledge

A formal recognition of a fact or situation.

I confess

Implies admitting something potentially embarrassing or negative.

I grant

Similar to concede, but may imply reluctance.

I own

Taking responsibility for something.

In all honesty

Stresses sincerity, sometimes used to soften a potentially negative statement.

I must say

Introduces a statement, often with a hint of surprise or reservation.

To be honest

Emphasizes sincerity and candor.

In truth

Highlights the factual nature of the statement.

Frankly

Direct and straightforward, possibly blunt.

FAQs

How can I use "I admittedly" in a sentence?

Use "I admittedly" when you want to acknowledge something, often a shortcoming or something unexpected about yourself. For example, "I admittedly underestimated the complexity of the project."

What are some alternatives to "I admittedly"?

You can use alternatives like "I concede", "I confess", or "to be honest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "I admittedly" or "to be honest"?

"I admittedly" tends to be slightly more formal than "to be honest". The best choice depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

Can "I admittedly" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "I admittedly" can be used in academic writing, especially when reflecting on research limitations or personal biases. It adds transparency to your analysis. However, ensure its use aligns with the overall tone of academic discourse.